Live music

Corner Hotel, Richmond

Overview

Live music

Melbourne crowds and venues have a long and celebrated tradition of nurturing live music, making Melbourne the nation's music capital.

The city's vibrant independent music scene comes alive every night of the week in pubs, clubs, warehouses and basements. From skinny-jeaned indie kids thrashing it out in a sweaty club to moustached gentleman pecking away on an old country number, the city caters for all tastes with only one prerequisite – a heartfelt love of music. Choose a style and check out some of the best local musicians performing across the city.

Find details in Melbourne's free street papers Beat and Inpress and weekly lift-outs in The Age and Herald Sun.

City

If you don't mind a late night and you want to be in the thick of the action, the city is the place to be. Thursday through to Sunday is the best time to catch up-and-coming bands in sweaty clubs like Ding Dong Lounge or Cherry.

Northside

Visit Fitzroy and Collingwood – the spiritual home of the north's music scene. Wander Brunswick and Johnston streets on a weeknight and stumble across latin and jazz, along with rock, indie and hardcore. Join the revellers on the weekend at Melbourne's home of rock and roll, The Tote, or catch acts at The Old Bar, Yah Yah's and the Workers Club.

If you're staying out Brunswick way, head down to the The Spotted Mallard, the Retreat or the Cornish Arms on Sydney Road for gigs most nights, or head to the bandroom around the corner at Howler. In Northcote, head to High Street to catch a quiet set in the comfy bandroom of the Wesley Ann or walk over to the Northcote Social Club – one of the city's best concert clubs.

Southside

Head south to catch touring acts at the Palais Theatre and the Prince Bandroom in St Kilda, or join young bands and crowds revelling till all hours at Revolver Upstairs, Chapel Street.